Wood+v.+Strickland

Wood et al. v. Strickland et al.

Supreme Court of United States Argued October 16, 1974 Decided February 25, 1975 Background

Peggy Strickland and Virginia Crain, filed a lawsuit against members of the school board, two administrators, and the school district alleging that their constitutional rights were violated by being expulsed from Mena Public High School. The reasons for expulsion was “spiking the punch” at a meeting for an extracurricular school organization. In return, the school officials wanted full immunity from their decision to expel the students. The District Court found that there was no malice shown by the school officials and that they were correct in their judgment. The Court of Appeals argued that the board had no evidence to expel the girls. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

Decision

The Supreme Court ruled that the judgment of the Court of Appeals be considered void. However, they set precedence when they ruled that a school board member or a public official can be held liable if he or she “reasonably knows” the action is in violation of constitutional rights or if malice intention was shown. They also ruled that the Court of Appeals should reconsider the possible due process complaint since a decision was not made. Moreover, the Supreme Court asserted that there was a substantial amount of evidence that the girls were aware of their wrongdoings although they continued the illegal actions.

Impact on Education

The education field is directly impacted by the outcome of this case because, it points out that even teachers may be held liable for their actions if they act with malicious intent or knowingly infringe on constitutional rights of their students. Not only could they lose their job but also be subject to paying damages brought on by their actions. As a result, administrators as well as teachers are perhaps fearful in disciplining students. Therefore, teachers and administrators must be aware of constitutional rights and act in good faith of each student. Doing so, will help to prevent lawsuits and will allow the educators to concentrate on student achievement instead of being fearful of being sued.

Applicable Quiz Question (By Jody Carter) True or False Teachers have full immunity from their actions even if they violate a child’s constitutional rights.

Kevin Johns MGED 3030 Court Case #7 Dr. Goodale

**U.S. Supreme Court ** **WOOD v. STRICKLAND, 420 U.S. 308 (1975) ** **WOOD ET AL. v. STRICKLAND ET AL. **
 * CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT. **


 * Argued October 16, 1974. **
 * Decided February 25, 1975. **

Three girls, Virginia Crain, Peggy Strickland, and Jo Wall, all confessed to spiking punch at an extracurricular function with twenty-four ounces of malt liquor. The principal suspended the three students for a week. That same day at a closed meeting the superintendent expelled the children for the remainder of the semester, based on a policy that was in the school handbook for possessions or consuming alcoholic beverages at a school sponsored event. The students then asked for a hearing, which was denied and the original decision of the school board held for the expulsion. On February 25, 1975, the Supreme Court ruled that the officials were cloaked with qualified immunity from lawsuit for money damages. The standard was then set that the only way that they could be sued was if their actions were purposeful and violated well-settled principles of law regarding the rights of individuals affected. Furthermore, it stated that the officials ordinarily should be immune in damages for reasonable actions taken in good faith as they go about their duties. The reasoning is this, that officials can do their jobs without fear of being sued for every action they take while preserving redress by lawsuit for damages truly egregious and unwarranted actions by officials. This type of standard allows teachers along with all school officials not to be as fearful when they make decisions that involve punishment, that they are taking action and doing this in a “reasonable” way. This helps officials to make tough decisions while maintaining proper punishment without fear of being sued for it. Although due process should always be upheld in the school system, officials should likewise always maintain proper punishment and balance for the schools protection and its students.
 * Background **
 * Decision **
 * Impact on Teaching **

What were the officials cloaked with? a) qualified immunity b)questionable cause c)probable reasoning d)reasonable process